Commercialisation of quantum technologies 3 – Central Research and Development

The purpose of this competition is to support challenge-led collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects in quantum technologies. Innovate UK are looking to fund projects that produce prototype devices and demonstrators. These must meet a clear commercial application or market need.

It will help your application if one of the project partners is an end user or customer of the technology.

Innovate UK are particularly looking for projects that align with the UK’s roadmap for quantum technologies. These themes include:

Quantum sensors, such as:

• quantum oscillators and precision timing devices
• quantum gravity sensors
• electromagnetic sensors
• accelerometers

Quantum-enhanced imaging, such as:

• single photon imaging
• ghost imaging

Quantum information technologies such as quantum computers.

Quantum communications, such as:

• quantum random number generators
• quantum key distribution

Other quantum technology systems that exploit the quantum effects of superposition or entanglement.

Your project may include work packages that either:

• develop core component technologies within these systems
• enable understanding of major market applications or customers

To allow for all levels of interest, Innovate UK are running a feasibility studies competition in parallel with this competition, click here for details. This will allow for earlier, more exploratory investigations and development into:

• quantum technologies
• developing components which make up quantum systems
• market opportunities and uses for quantum technologies

Funding details

• Projects are expected to last between 12 and 18 months
• Projects are expected to range in size from total project costs of £500,000 to £2m

A business or RTO must lead the project and be collaborative.

Your project must focus on industrial research and you could get:

• up to 70% of your eligible project costs if you are an SME